Nectarine tree--Crystal Rose

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree which is denominated varietally as &#34;Crystal Rose&#34; and which is ripe for commercial harvesting and shipment under the ecological conditions prevailing in San Joaquin Valley of Central California approximately June 21 through July 1, the tree of the subject variety producing fruit which have a red skin color, white flesh, is free stone and further has a firm flesh at commercial maturity.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of nectarinetree hereinafter denominated varietally as "Crystal Rose" and moreparticularly, to a nectarine tree which is somewhat remotely similar inits harvesting date to the nectarine tree Arctic Glo and Arctic Rose,(U.S. Plant Pat. Nos. 7,884 and 7,889 respectively) but which isdistinguishable therefrom, and characterized principally as to noveltyby producing fruit which have a larger size, noteworthy flavor, firmflesh and distinct flavor.

ORIGIN AND ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

The inventor has spent a substantial portion of his professional lifeengaged in farming operations. In this regard, the applicant, in 1986,cross-pollinated a nectarine tree identified by the alpha-numericdesignator NB 570 from his stock of nectarine trees, with that of anectarine tree which has been denominated varietally as "Favols." Thetree NB 570 is a non-released proprietary tree which applicant hasretained for breeding purposes. The tree NB 570 produces a whitefleshed, freestone nectarine. Further "Favols" produces a yellowfleshed, freestone nectarine. This cross pollination occurred at theinventor's farm which is located near Saint-Vite, France. The seeds fromthe cross-pollination were thereafter germinated and the new variety wasgrafted into commercial root stock which was then growing within thecultivated acreage of this same farm. The fruit produced by trees fromthe cross-pollination was evaluated in 1989 and were noted at that timeto have desirable characteristics. The inventor subsequently marked onegrafted tree for future observation. To determine whether the traits ofthe newly discovered variety were true, the inventor in 1989 removed budwood from the original grafted tree and then grafted it into other testtrees which were located on this same property. The inventor hascontinuously observed these test trees and the original grafted tree andhas evaluated the fruit produced therefrom. It has subsequently beendetermined that the clonal progeny have the same identicalcharacteristics as that observed in the selection resulting from theoriginal cross pollination.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The Crystal Rose nectarine tree hereof is characterized principally asto novelty by bearing fruit which are ripe for harvesting and shipmentapproximately seven days before the Arctic Rose nectarine tree [U.S.Plant Pat. No. 7,889] and approximately ten days after the Arctic Glotree nectarine [U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,884] in the San Joaquin Valley ofCentral California. In this regard, the variety is ripe for harvestingand shipment approximately June 21-July 1, and further isdistinguishable from the above noted varieties by its large size,exceptional flesh firmness, and sweet flavor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawing is a color photograph of five mature fruit, oneof which has been divided in the axial plane to show the flesh and pitcharacteristics, together with a twig bearing typical leaves whichdisplay the coloration of the top and bottom surfaces thereof, and arepresentative stone all of the subject variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new anddistinct variety of nectarine tree, the following has been observedunder the ecological condition prevailing at the applicant's licensee'sorchard which is located near Visalia, Calif. All major color codedesignations are by reference to the dictionary of color by Maerz &Paul, First Edition 1930, and alternatively by reference to theInter-Society Color Council -- National Bureau of Standards ColorCharts. Common color names are also employed occasionally.

TREE

Size:

Generally.--Medium to large. Test trees of the new variety, which are(4) four years old range in size from about 90 to 96 inches in widthwhen measured at the crown; and 12.0 to approximately 12.5 feet inheight. These same trees were pruned to an average height during thewinter of 1993-1994 to about 7.5 to about 8.5 ft. Since the pruning, thetrees have developed 3 to 4 ft. of new growth.

Form:

Generally.--Upright to upright spreading. The final form of the tree isdetermined by pruning practices. The test trees are trained to anopen-vase system. These same trees have typically developed four mainscaffolds.

Productivity: Productive.

Regularity of bearing: Regular.

Vigor: Vigorous, and hardy under the environmental conditions existingin the San Joaquin Valley of Central California.

BRANCHES

Size: Average, sturdy.

Surface texture: Average, smooth

Bark color: Grey-Brown, the color is not considered distinctive of thevariety [8-J-10].

New growth:

Color.--Light green [17-k-7] (119.1 YG). A pale rose color appears whereshoots are exposed to direct sunlight [4-I-9]. The color of newexpanding shoots are bright green [18-L-5].

Mature growth:

Color.--Light grey-green [7-E-12].

Internode:

Length.--Generally considered to be average, that is, approximately 25mm to 33 mm on current season hanger wood.

TRUNK

Size: Large, and sturdy. The test trees which are (4) four years oldhave developed trunks in the range of approximately 8.9 cm to 10.7 cm indiameter.

Surface texture: Relatively smooth.

Bark color: Dark, grey-brown [7-A-10 to approximately 7-C-8].

Lenticels:

Generally.--Numerous oval lenticels are present. These range in sizefrom approximately 2 mm to 5 mm in width; and from 1 mm to approximately2 mm in height.

LEAVES

Size:

Generally.--Large and narrow.

Average length.--Approximately 18.0 cm to about 22.6 cm including thepetiole.

Average width.--Approximately 4.4 cm to 5.1 cm.

Surface texture: Normal for the species, glabrous.

Leaf form: Lanceolate to nearly linear lanceolate, with the leaf tipgenerally being in the same plane as the main body of the leaf. Leafapices are considered acuminate, although occasionally the leaf apicesappear slightly twisted sideways and reflexed downwards.

Leave blade angle: At the top of the leaf, this angle is quite small,however, the angle at the base is considered acute.

Marginal edge: Considered crenate. In this regard the crenations areviewed as being low, large, and at times irregular.

Color:

Upper leaf surface.--Dark green [23-L-9]. [126.d 01G].

Lower leaf surface.--Grey-green [22-K-7] [125.m 01G]

Mid vein:

Size.--Average.

Color.--A light green [19-F-5] [120.m YG].

LEAF PETIOLE

Length: Considered average in size, but long for the species. Averagesize is about 9 mm to about 13 mm in length and approximately 1.5 mm to3 mm in thickness.

Petiole:

Shape.--Grooved.

Color.--A light green [19-J-8]. The color is somewhat darker within thepetiole groove.

Leaf glands: Variable, and considered large in size. The leaf glands aremost correctly characterized as reniform. In this regard, normally 2 to5 glands are present on the petiole or just below the leaf margin. Anadditional 1 to 2 l reniform glands are normally present along the basalmargin of the leaf blade itself. Occasionally, a stalked gland or glandsmay be formed on the petiole. The leaf glands are generally in alternatepositions, and have a light yellow color which darkens with senescence.

Color.--A shiny, bright green [18-K-6].

Stipules:

Generally.--Stipules which are present may vary in length from 5 mm to 7mm. Further, the stipules appear only at the base of the leaves and onthe tips of new shoots. The stipules are considered early deciduous.

Form.--The stipule form is considered linearly lanceolate and furtherhas a serrate margin.

Color.--The stipule color is considered a light green -- yellow[17-L-6].

FLOWERS

Date of bloom: February 25 through March 5 under the ecologicalconditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California.The date of bloom is considered average for the species.

Flower size:

Generally.--Average; and having a showy type flower.

Fertility: Self fruitful.

Duration of flowering: Considered long.

Petal:

Shape.--Rounded.

Number.--Five.

Size.--Average for the species. The petal size is non-distinguishing.

Distribution of flower buds: The flower buds generally appear in groupsof two or more.

Petal color at full flowering: The flower petals have a light pink colorwith a deeper pink color in the throat. Further, the apex of the petalsare distinctly ruffled. Petal margin [C-1, Plate 50]; petal base [G-12,Plate 51].

Pistil: One pistil is always present.

Stamen:

Generally.--The length of the stamen is shorter than the length of theindividual petals.

Anthers:

Generally.--Pollen is normally present on the anthers.

Ovaries:

Generally.--Present, and having no pubescence.

Calyx:

Color.--The color of the calyx prior to the petals falling off isconsidered greenish-yellow and is not particularly distinctive of thevariety.

Flower buds:

Generally.--Considered hardy and well developed. The present varietyrequires a dormant period of approximately 500 hours at temperaturesbelow 45° F.

FRUIT

Maturity when described: Ripe for commercial harvesting and shipmentapproximately June 21 through July 1 under the environmental conditionsexisteing in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California.

Size:

Uniformity.--Uniform, and considered large for the species.

Average cheek diameter.--Approximately 65 mm to 77 mm.

Average suture diameter.--Approximately 63 mm to 73 mm.

Average axial diameter.--Approximately 73 mm to 81 mm.

Form:

Uniformity.--Uniform and considered globose, in its apical aspect. Thefruit is slightly ovate in its lateral aspect. The fruit is mostfrequently asymmetrical.

Suture:

Generally.--The fruit has a prominent ventral suture. In this regard,the suture appears as a slight indentation which extends from the baseto the apex. The suture is more depressed over the apical shoulder nearthe apex. As a general matter, the suture appears as a smooth line,although slight clefting over the basal shoulders and the stem cavitymay be evident. No stitching is evident. The suture takes on thecoloration of the surrounding skin color, although occasionally it maytake on a red color with narrow red striping. The color of the stripingis usually dark red [5-L-11 to 6-L-11]. A slight depression is evidentalong the ventral suture and in close proximity to the apex.

Ventral surface:

Generally.--Uniformly rounded and occasionally moderately uneven andprotruding. The sides usually appear unequal but may appear onlyslightly so. Moderate lipping is present, and is usually stronger on oneside.

Stem cavity:

Generally.--Considered medium to small, uniformly flared, rounded, andhaving a moderate depth.

Width.--Approximately 25 mm to 31 mm.

Length.--Approximately 27 mm to 34 mm.

Depth.--Approximately 12 mm to 14 mm.

Shape.--Oval, and at times a crease is present where the branch hasbecome indented into the shoulder of the fruit. The indented area isusually a ground color of light cream [9-C-2] to cream-green [17-E-2].

Fruit stem:

Size.--Approximately 6.0 mm to 8.5 mm in length; and approximately 3.0mm to 4.0 mm in thickness.

Color.--Light olive-green [20-J-2].

Base:

Generally.--Variable, normally broad and well rounded, although it mayappear truncate. The fruit base is distinctly oblique to the fruit axis.

Apex:

Generally.--Mucronated and firm.

Pistil point: Present and most frequency oblique.

Surface texture: Glabrous.

Skin:

Thickness.--Slightly thicker than average.

Flavor.--Mildly acidic.

Tendency to crack.--Not observed

Tenacious to flesh.--Yes, at commercial maturity, however, the skin willnormally readily peel away from the flesh with advancing maturity.

Pubescence.--Absent.

Color.--Variable. A dark red, [7-J-6] (13.deep red), to a cherry red[4-K-9]. Although some pale yellow speckling may be evident [5-I-4]. Asa general matter, however, the intensity of the red color does not varyfrom sun exposed to internal fruiting areas of the skin. A ground coloris present in smaller amounts and ranges from a cream color [9-C-2] to avery pale green [17-E-2].

Flesh color: Generally considered white [1-A-1]. Although some smallamounts of pink may be found in the flesh adjacent to the skin [12-K-8](6. Pink).

Pit cavity:

Color.--The pit cavity has a cream coloration [11-E-1], [86.1.Y].

Flesh fibers:

Length.--Medium to long and having a white color.

Numbers.--Few.

Texture.--Fine and tender.

Flesh flavor: Rich.

Aroma: Moderate, distinct, and pleasant.

Flesh firmness: Crisp and firm. The flesh softens and becomes more juicywith advancing maturity.

Overall eating quality: Well above average. The flesh texture isuniformly firm and considered creamy.

Amygdalin: Not detected.

Ripening: The fruit first ripens along the ventral suture.

STONE

Generally: Considered semi-freestone to freestone. No air space ispresent in the pit cavity. The stone breaks free from the cavity withadvancing maturity.

Size: Average.

Stone length.--Approximately 38 to 45 millimeters.

Stone width.--Approximately 26 to 29 millimeters.

Stone breadth.--Approximately 20 to 24 millimeters.

Form:

Generally.--Variable and irregular, most frequently the stone isslightly obovate, although at times it may appear oval.

Hilum:

Shape.--Narrow and indented. It may further appear heavily eroded.

Apex:

Shape.--Acuminate and abruptly pointed.

Stone sides:

Shape.--Nonuniform.

Surface texture: Irregularly furrowed and deeply pitted.

Fibers: Short fibers cling to the stone basally and along the base ofboth the ventral and dorsal sutures.

Stone base: The base is considered to be truncate in shape and the baseangel is variable, although most frequently it is oblique to the fruitaxis.

Ridges:

Shape.--Moderately rounded and considered interrupted.

Ventral edge:

Shape.--Serrated and nonuniform. The ventral edge is wide [7 mm to 9 mm]at mid-suture. Wings are present on the ventral suture and at timesforms a strong keel basally which may protrude a distance of 4 mm to 6mm out from the body of the stone. The ventral wings are most prominentfrom mid-suture to the stone base.

Dorsal edge:

Generally.--Considered pronounced and ridged and having a nonuniformshape. The dorsal edge is somewhat prominent and moderately eroded overthe apical shoulders.

Color: Dry -- light tan [11-F-4] [70.1. OY]. The color is not considereddistinctive.

Tendency to split: Moderate.

Surface texture of seed: A brown coat is present, the color is notdistinctive, however.

Fertility: Considered self-fruitful.

Use: A fresh market nectarine for both local and long distance shipping.

Keeping quality: Noteworthy.

Shipping quality: Excellent.

Resistance to disease: No particular susceptibilities were noted.

Although the new variety of nectarine tree possesses the describedcharacteristics as a result of the growing conditions prevailing in theSan Joaquin Valley of Central California, it is to be understood thatvariations in the usual magnitude and characteristics incident togrowing conditions, fertilization, pruning and pest control are to beexpected.

Having thus described and illustrated our new variety of nectarine treewhat is claimed as new and desired to be secured by plant Letters Patentis:
 1. A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree substantially asillustrated and described and which produces fruit which are ripe forcommercial harvesting and shipment approximately seven days before thenectarine tree Arctic Rose (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,889) and approximatelyten days after the nectarine tree Arctic Glo (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,884)at the same geographical location, and which is further distinguished asto novelty by having a large size, noteworthy flavor, and a white, firmflesh texture at commercial maturity.